We have been having some building work done at home, which has prevented me getting up to the airfield as often as I'd like to. When there has been some time avaiable, the recent spell of bad weather has meant that I haven't been able to fly. When I checked my log-book, I was shocked toi discover the last time I flew my Jabiru J-160 was August 6th, 2017. I was determined to fly today, and the forecast was good, but realising it was exactly 2 months since the aircraft had run, I took the jump starter that I often have to use to start my classic motorcycles. During the 2 months it has waited, my aircraft has stod outside, (but witth a full set of Sky4 covers fitted). Throughout the 2 months there have been some very cold nights, strong winds, and heavy rain. Before I connected the jump starter, i thought I'd see if it would start off the key. Can you believe it, it started first time! I often hear the Lycomings and Continentals at the airfield struggling to stsrt after 2 weeks parked in a hangar. Although the Jabiru's engine sounded in rude health, I felt rusty after 2 months away from an aeroplane, so I proceeded to complete an hour of intense circuit practice (7, T/O's and landings) to get back in the groove. The little Jabiru never missed a beat, and easily turned maximum rpm while climbing out to circuit height. What a marvelous engine this is!

Yes, it's still up for sale, although I now suspect whatever I have to replace it. won't be as good. I firmly believe the Jabiru 2200 engine would be a fantastic replacement for the Continetal A65 engines fitted to many 1940's American taildraggers. I would have loved one in my Luscombe that i owned for 12 years, the installation would also automatically give you an electrical generator, and a starter motor, best off all, the lighter weight would also give you an increase in payload. The direct drive (as apposed to the geared prop of the Rotax 912) would also provide an authentic 1940's aero engine feel and sound to the conversion.